The Weekly Encourager – May 3, 2017 – Trusting in the Lord

I am trusting in the Lord. I was awake much of Monday night, knowing in my spirit that the next day I would get the call telling me I have breast cancer. Not dreading, just waiting. Tuesday at lunch time I got the call as expected. The Lord in His kindness had prepared me in advance.

I have been wanting to write about Christian community for several weeks, but have not had opportunity. Now I get the privilege of reporting that my friends in the Lord have been a terrific support to me as I have gone through various tests, including two biopsies last Thursday. One cancer survivor told me I needed a prayer circle, so I sent out an email. Then I reported back with thanksgiving that God had answered their prayers for a less invasive procedure with minimal pain and quick recovery time. I felt calm throughout. I experienced the supernatural peace of Christ, thanks to His grace and their prayers. God is faithful.

Here is one of my life verses which describes God's work in me during the various procedures and weekend of waiting, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:6-7

Knowing I had the love, prayers, and support of my Christian community was a great comfort. Combined with the promises of God in His Word, they enabled me to continue with regular life: enjoying a garden tour with my family, finishing a big quilt commission for a customer, working on our internet business, worshipping in church, doing housework, watering my garden, singing with the Fairfax Choral Society, praying for the needs of others. I am trusting in the Lord. I am so blessed to belong to the family of God.

A note about community: there was not a huge outpouring from any one person, just an email here, a phone call there, a text from one person, a short visit from another. There are rare instances in life when you meet a person with whom you have an instant connection. There can be a deep tangible bond from only one conversation. But most good friendships develop over a long period of time, just doing ordinary things together and letting life happen. Over time, layer upon layer of small bits of sand accumulate into strong sedimentary rock. All these little bits add up to a huge deposit of grace. Next to Christ Himself, Christian friendship is our greatest gift from a loving God.

In my daily reading, I hit Psalms 90-92 in the past three days. No coincidence, but the Lord's timing. “Lord, Thou hast been our dwelling place in all generations, before the mountains were born...from everlasting to everlasting, Thou art God.” Life is short, “so teach us to number our days, that we may present to Thee a heart of wisdom….O satisfy us in the morning with Thy lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.” “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, 'My refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust!'” God says those who love Him and know His name will be delivered. “He will call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble.” “It is good to give thanks to the Lord, and to sing praises to Thy name….The righteous will flourish….They will still yield fruit in old age.”

I am peaceful and thankful. This doesn't mean there won't be times of fear, worry and pain, but I know that God is sovereign. Cancer is just another part of my journey. He who has begun a good work in me will complete it. He will only bring what is needful to that end. “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I say, rejoice!” - Philippians 4:4. I am trusting in the Lord.

God is faithful and good,
j

Copyright 2017 Janet A. Marney